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The numerous
listed sites within Saint-André
- Allas include some of the most beautiful dry-stone huts
found anywhere. Along the single road through the village, Saint-André
has very old houses ranged on either side of its imposing church.
The commune, in fact, possesses two notable churches, both classed
as Historic Monuments - one at Saint-André,
the other at Allas.
The former, of Romanesque origin,
was the seat of an important archpriest with
responsibility for 48 parishes.
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Dating
from the 12th century, it was partially restored in the 16th - as
was the church at Allas, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. The tranquillity
of the area obviously appealed to the powerful Bishops
of Sarlat, who established one of their residences here, at
a spot called "Boussiéral". As with most of the villages
in our region, however, mankind had settled here long before all this.
In the valley of the Petite Beune near
the hamlet of Allas, for instance, are numerous small caves which
not only provided shelter in prehistoric times
but also helped to protect the inhabitants during the many local wars,
repressions and invasions which swept the region. The presence of
so many caverns is a reminder that Saint-André Allas is on
the threshold of the Vézère
valley and its world-famed prehistoric grottoes
(such as Lascaux and the Grand Roc). Going for rambles around this
charming village leads to some lovely discoveries. One such is the
spinning-mill of Beyssac; it was originally
a forge, which closed with the decline
in demand for charcoal; the spinning workshop which replaced it in
1910 remained in operation until as recently as 1996. Saint-André
- Allas will delight all lovers of nature
and ancient heritage - perfect for
rambling, whether on foot, cycle or horseback.
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